How to make cranberry sauce

Cranberry sauce is a delightful addition to various dishes, perfect for enhancing the flavour of holiday meals or everyday dinners. Discover everything you need to know about making cranberry sauce, along with some essential tips, like using dried cranberries when fresh ones aren’t available.

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How to prepare cranberries before cooking

Preparing cranberries is relatively simple, whether you’re using fresh or dried fruit. If you’re using fresh cranberries, start by rinsing them under cold water and discarding any soft or damaged berries. If you’re working with dried cranberries, you’ll need to rehydrate them before starting a cranberry sauce recipe. Simply soak them in warm water for about 10-15 minutes, then drain and proceed with the recipe.

How to make cranberry sauce

Making cranberry sauce is a simple way to elevate your holiday dishes. Whether you want to add a tangy complement to your turkey or a sweet-tart topping for desserts, cranberry sauce offers versatility. 

For a classic cranberry sauce recipe, you’ll need cranberries (fresh or rehydrated), sugar, water, and a touch of orange zest for added flavour. Cook the ingredients together until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. 

How to make cranberry sauce from dried cranberries

If fresh cranberries are out of season or unavailable, don’t worry —you can easily make cranberry sauce from dried cranberries. Start by rehydrating the dried cranberries, as mentioned earlier. 

Then, follow your standard cranberry sauce recipe, but reduce the sugar slightly since dried cranberries are often sweetened during processing. The result will be just as delicious and perfect for any dish that calls for a side of cranberry sauce.

Cranberry sauce recipes

Cranberry sauce is incredibly versatile, making it an excellent addition to a wide range of dishes. It is part of many traditional American recipes, from a classic turkey pairing to seared pork loin with cranberry sauce.

For a simple evening recipe, try adding cranberry sauce to a baked brie or as a sweet-tart component in a chicken salad. Or, for a more festive approach, experiment with this delicious chicken and sticky cranberry sauce recipe. Whether you’re making cranberry sauce from dried cranberries or fresh, you’ll never run out of delicious ways to incorporate this delightful condiment into your meals!